Recession Briefing 6.22

More women are turning to sex work in the bad economy.
Strip clubs, X-rated Web cam companies and escort managers across the country have reported an increase in job applications in the last several months - ironically, at the same time that business is largely going down. (
Salon
)

Healthcare without insurance is like construction without power tools.
It can be done, but it will take longer and require a lot more effort. And at times you’ll feel like you’re hammering your thumb. (
Los Angeles Times
)

Despite signs that the recession may be easing,
the unemployment rate is projected to continue rising for another year before topping out in double digits, a prospect that threatens to slow growth and increase poverty.
(
Washington Post
)

The recession is taking a bite out of national brand loyalty
in products ranging from Advil pain reliever and Green Giant frozen vegetables to Jif peanut butter. (
Reuters
)

Could the recession result in a baby boom?
Nielsen is reporting double-digit growth in ovulation-predictor kits and pregnancy tests across Canada. (
Calgary Herald
) But some people are also debating whether they can afford children now. (
Recessionwire
)

Some people are handing over vintage toys, sets of dishes, baseball cards, furniture and clothes to auction houses and online auction sites hoping to generate cash.
(
New York
Daily News
)

State governments are reeling from the recession and are beginning to make deep budget cuts to stanch the bleeding.
(
New York Times
)

Welfare roles are seeing a sharp increase.
Twenty-three of the 30 largest states, which account for more than 88% of the nation’s total population, see welfare caseloads above year-ago levels.
(
Wall Street Journal
)

Deborah Siegel uses the experience of her laid-off husband to speculate on some of the changes men undergo after losing their jobs
as a result of the recession. (
The Big Money
)

Use of antidepressant medications has soared
in the U.K. during the recession. (
Guardian
)